Major Controversies Surrounding Steve Jobs: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs was a pivotal figure in the personal computer revolution. As co-founder of Apple Inc., he spearheaded the development of groundbreaking products, transforming the technology industry. He also founded NeXT and led Pixar to unprecedented success in animation. Jobs was renowned for his innovative vision, design aesthetic, and relentless pursuit of perfection, shaping the landscape of modern technology and entertainment.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

October 6, 1997: Michael Dell's Comment on Apple

On October 6, 1997, at a Gartner Symposium, Michael Dell was asked what he would do if he ran Apple, and he said he would shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders, continuing Jobs's public war of words with Dell.

1997: Return to Apple and elimination of philanthropic programs

Upon his 1997 return to Apple, Steve Jobs optimized the failing company to the core, such as eliminating all philanthropic programs, never to be restored.

2001: Jobs was granted stock options in the amount of 7.5 million shares of Apple

In 2001, Jobs was granted stock options in the amount of 7.5 million shares of Apple with an exercise price of $18.30.

2003: the options granted to him were returned without being exercised in 2003.

the options granted to him were returned without being exercised in 2003.

2005: Apple Responds to E-Waste Recycling Criticism

In 2005, Steve Jobs responded to criticism of Apple's poor recycling programs for e-waste by lashing out at environmental advocates. Apple later announced it would take back iPods for free at its retail stores.

August 2006: WWDC Keynote and Health Speculation

In August 2006, Steve Jobs delivered the keynote at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). His thin appearance and listless delivery led to media and internet speculation about his health. Despite this, an Apple spokesperson stated that "Steve's health is robust."

December 29, 2006: Apple Investigation Finds Jobs Unaware of Stock Options Issues

On December 29, 2006, an independent internal Apple investigation found that Steve Jobs was unaware of issues related to backdated stock options granted to him in 2001 and that the options were returned without being exercised in 2003.

2007: Apple listed among America's least philanthropic companies

In 2007, Stanford Social Innovation Review magazine listed Apple among "America's least philanthropic companies".

July 1, 2008: $7 Billion Class Action Suit Filed Against Apple Board Members

On July 1, 2008, a $7 billion class action suit was filed against several members of the Apple board of directors for revenue lost because of alleged securities fraud.

August 28, 2008: Bloomberg's Mistaken Obituary

On August 28, 2008, Bloomberg mistakenly published a 2500-word obituary of Steve Jobs, intensifying rumors about his health, despite the error being quickly rectified.

September 2008: Jobs Responds to Death Rumors

In September 2008, at Apple's Let's Rock keynote, Steve Jobs responded to the death rumors by paraphrasing Mark Twain, saying, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." He later presented his blood pressure as "110/70" to further dismiss health concerns.

2008: Health Concerns Following WWDC Keynote

In 2008, similar concerns arose following Steve Jobs's WWDC keynote address. Apple officials attributed his condition to a "common bug," while others speculated it was due to the Whipple procedure. Despite repeated questions, Jobs's health was largely dismissed as a "private matter" by Apple, while some believed shareholders had a right to know more.

2010: Jobs declined to sign The Giving Pledge

In 2010, Steve Jobs declined to sign The Giving Pledge, launched by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates for fellow billionaires.

2011: Jobs Complains to Obama About Software Engineer Shortage

In a 2011 interview, Steve Jobs revealed that he had met with US President Barack Obama, complained about the nation's shortage of software engineers, and proposed offering green cards to foreign students with engineering degrees.